I was Burgled !!!

[M.D. Holloway]

Wednesday my boss and I were victims of the theft of our laptops and computer bags from a rental car parked in a busy restaurant parking lot. Before we went in for a lunch meeting with customers, we noticed a Nissan Rogue with really dark windows. They parked a bit away from us.

About 30 minutes into lunch, the manager asked if I drove a silver Jeep Compass because the window was broken out. I went out and sure enough our bags were gone. Oh shyt!!!! Like an idiot I didn't bring my bag in. All my stuff was on that laptop. That won't happen again. Everything was gone! Personal as well as business. From bank and tax info to pics of the kids to two drafts of books going to print this year. I backed up my hard drive last month but hadn't in a month.

I called the Houston Police and told them about the vehicle. Come to find out I accurately identified the vehicle that perpetrated the crime. The police confirmed that the vehicle was loaded with stolen laptops but our bags were not in the vehicle as well a stolen handgun. We gave a description of the laptops and the police confirmed that they had them. The Houston Police engaged in a high speed chase all the way up route 45 into Greenspoint (aka Guns Point). And after they crashed their vehicle the ‘perps’ ran. The Police were able to apprehend them and during the takedown actually tazed one of them!

The Police told us that we would have to go to the station and receive our laptops. We met the Police Officer who was heading up the incident. The Officer handling the case was above reproach! A fantastic guy that obviously took pride in his duty and his department. We met the B&E task force. Eight officers for all of Houston that are charged with chasing down the bad guys who break into cars or rob folks at gun point. They shared stories and images of various villains that left us speechless yet happy there was at least a few officers trying to make a difference.

We learned that Houston has a serious gang problem in fact the 2 that stole from us were members of a gang called The Bloods. These bad guys are no strangers to the criminal justice system. We learned that they had multiple offences dating back to when they were young teenagers. This time they were found with a stolen firearm which is a felony. This could put them away for a while. We learned that most all of the criminals come from the bad parts of the city but we also learned that it is not an excuse for their behavior. Several of the Officers we met came from the same part of town. It really does have a lot to how you are raised. We asked the Officers why after these guys had committed so much crime that they were still on the streets to which the Officers told us that the ‘system is broken’. More like a compound fracture!

During our visit, the arresting officers showed up and had our bags in tow as well as the laptops. These guys were badazz! Both is great shape and very professional. Apparently, the ‘perps’ took out the laptops and threw away our bags with the contents into a dumpster a few miles away. A business owner had noticed that often there are items thrown away there that are in fine shape and concluded that it must be a popular place to ditch items that do not have quick resale. The arresting officer just so happen to notice our bags out of the corner of his eye while in the evidence room and asked where the items were found. I guess the 'perps' didn't see value in a Ladys Coach laptop bag or a Brooks Brothers computer bag.

The officers told me that they never recover all the stolen stuff. Its just impossible. We were very very lucky. They also told us that these bad guys will watch folks at banks and then follow them to rob. Gotta keep that little white envelope hidden!

While the experience did take up several hours of our day we learned a few valuable lessons; never leave anything of value in your vehicle, always be aware of your surroundings, and lastly the Police are trying to do an impossible job that constantly puts them in harm’s way with very little appreciation.

I'm going to send that task force a bunch of Subway Gift cards and a note to the Chief.

[David]

Which and where was the restaurant?

[A930Rocket]

What a story.

Glad you and the boss are OK!

[group911@aol.co]

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

Wednesday my boss and I were victims of the theft of our laptops and computer bags from a rental car parked in a busy restaurant parking lot. Before we went in for a lunch meeting with customers, we noticed a Nissan Rogue with really dark windows. They parked a bit away from us.

About 30 minutes into lunch, the manager asked if I drove a silver Jeep Compass because the window was broken out. I went out and sure enough our bags were gone. Oh shyt!!!! Like an idiot I didn't bring my bag in. All my stuff was on that laptop. That won't happen again. Everything was gone! Personal as well as business. From bank and tax info to pics of the kids to two drafts of books going to print this year. I backed up my hard drive last month but hadn't in a month.

I called the Houston Police and told them about the vehicle. Come to find out I accurately identified the vehicle that perpetrated the crime. The police confirmed that the vehicle was loaded with stolen laptops but our bags were not in the vehicle as well a stolen handgun. We gave a description of the laptops and the police confirmed that they had them. The Houston Police engaged in a high speed chase all the way up route 45 into Greenspoint (aka Guns Point). And after they crashed their vehicle the ‘perps’ ran. The Police were able to apprehend them and during the takedown actually tazed one of them!

The Police told us that we would have to go to the station and receive our laptops. We met the Police Officer who was heading up the incident. The Officer handling the case was above reproach! A fantastic guy that obviously took pride in his duty and his department. We met the B&E task force. Eight officers for all of Houston that are charged with chasing down the bad guys who break into cars or rob folks at gun point. They shared stories and images of various villains that left us speechless yet happy there was at least a few officers trying to make a difference.

We learned that Houston has a serious gang problem in fact the 2 that stole from us were members of a gang called The Bloods. These bad guys are no strangers to the criminal justice system. We learned that they had multiple offences dating back to when they were young teenagers. This time they were found with a stolen firearm which is a felony. This could put them away for a while. We learned that most all of the criminals come from the bad parts of the city but we also learned that it is not an excuse for their behavior. Several of the Officers we met came from the same part of town. It really does have a lot to how you are raised. We asked the Officers why after these guys had committed so much crime that they were still on the streets to which the Officers told us that the ‘system is broken’. More like a compound fracture!

During our visit, the arresting officers showed up and had our bags in tow as well as the laptops. These guys were badazz! Both is great shape and very professional. Apparently, the ‘perps’ took out the laptops and threw away our bags with the contents into a dumpster a few miles away. A business owner had noticed that often there are items thrown away there that are in fine shape and concluded that it must be a popular place to ditch items that do not have quick resale. The arresting officer just so happen to notice our bags out of the corner of his eye while in the evidence room and asked where the items were found. I guess the 'perps' didn't see value in a Ladys Coach laptop bag or a Brooks Brothers computer bag.

The officers told me that they never recover all the stolen stuff. Its just impossible. We were very very lucky. They also told us that these bad guys will watch folks at banks and then follow them to rob. Gotta keep that little white envelope hidden!

While the experience did take up several hours of our day we learned a few valuable lessons; never leave anything of value in your vehicle, always be aware of your surroundings, and lastly the Police are trying to do an impossible job that constantly puts them in harm’s way with very little appreciation.

I'm going to send that task force a bunch of Subway Gift cards and a note to the Chief.

Subway gift cards? Is that the best you can do or do you own stock?

[M.D. Holloway]

Churrascos off Westheimer. Great food.

[rusnak]

This thread gives a pretty strong endorsement for the community of Houston. Sure, every place has a gang problem. But you have a fine police force and a good community it sounds.

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally Posted by group911@aol.co

Subway gift cards? Is that the best you can do or do you own stock?

I noticed that a few of them were eating Subway. All these guys were in really good shape. I figured instead of sending them a dozen pizzas I would send a bunch of gift cards that they could use in the field. Seems like a healthier choice then anything else.

I'm open for ideas.

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally Posted by rusnak

This thread gives a pretty strong endorsement for the community of Houston. Sure, every place has a gang problem. But you have a fine police force and a good community it sounds.

They told us that there are thousands of gangs here. many are nothing more than a bunch from an apartment complex or a street. They told us that the gangs are not as organized as in other parts - these guys are only for money. Turf war doesn't happen as much as in other parts. They told us that in some cases you could have one kid a member of the Bloods, and the other a member of the Crips. You would never see that in LA or NYC or Detroit...

[rusnak]

They would be happy with any kind gesture.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

I noticed that a few of them were eating Subway. All these guys were in really good shape. I figured instead of sending them a dozen pizzas I would send a bunch of gift cards that they could use in the field. Seems like a healthier choice then anything else.

I'm open for ideas.

Maybe Subway and Hooters?

You were extremely lucky to have your stuff returned.

[svandamme]

Ok, but, this is 2017, to me it's common knowledge not to leave laptop bags in the car , definately not in the passenger area that has windows.
At best perhaps in the boot, out of sight, locked up, no windows
And only nobody saw you putting things away at the place where you park it..

We don't have gangs here, or much car break ins, and even here I wouldn't do it.
This was totally preventable if you ask me.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by svandamme

Ok, but, this is 2017, to me it's common knowledge not to leave laptop bags in the car , definately not in the passenger area that has windows.
At best perhaps in the boot, out of sight, locked up, no windows
And only nobody saw you putting things away at the place where you park it..

We don't have gangs here, or much car break ins, and even here I wouldn't do it.
This was totally preventable if you ask me.

"a silver Jeep Compass".....a rental SUV? If so, no trunk to hide valuables in.

It may look weird, but I DO take my cue case into restaurants. No gripes from those in the restaurant. Actually, even some friendly comments from time to time.

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

"a silver Jeep Compass".....a rental SUV? If so, no trunk to hide valuables in.

It may look weird, but I DO take my cue case into restaurants. No gripes from those in the restaurant. Actually, even some friendly comments from time to time.

if there is no trunk then you leave nothing behind, right?

In unknown areas i even make sure to open the central console and glove compartment to show there is nothing valuable in it. No reason to break in that way so you don't even have to bother replacing windows

[Don Plumley]

glad this had a happy ending

[speeder]

Well, lucky after being unlucky. It is unusual to get your stuff back quickly like that, good police work there.

I take occasional road trips w luggage/cash/etc. in the car and if I stop at a roadside restaurant or Starbucks, I either park where I can see the vehicle from my table and/or bring my laptop inside w the cash and goodies in it. I'm not a ccw guy but on road trips I might be packing.

[bivenator]

I grew up stones throw from there. My parents are still in the same home for 50+ years. I have tried to get them to move out west with me but they are set in their ways.

Sorry you got ripped off but am glad they recovered your stuff. I heard the report of a chase and apprehension on the radio, wonder if that was related to yours.

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

Churrascos off Westheimer. Great food.

I love that place


You have a Coach laptop bag, really? You don't live in the Montrose area do you? Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Maybe have Gatlin's or Goode Co hook them up with lunch or something. You are in Huntsville. You could hit up that church sort of on the South side of town that sells BBQ out of their parking lot and take them a mess of food. You have to get there pretty early or they will be sold out.

[Evans, Marv]

Wow, you were blessed with some good luck. Your account is a good reminder for all of us to be more careful. Glad you got all of your stuff back.

[ckelly78z]

Good on you for noticing the perps vehicle. I try to be aware of my surroundings in parking lots, and often look back at my car as I am entering the building to see if any strange activity is happening.

[wildthing]

I read somewhere, maybe it was this forum, that thieves target rental cars more because of the higher probability of getting more valuables.

Be careful out there.